Naval Historians, Crew & Family Noticeboard
MESSAGES
CHARLES / HORACE CAVE.. seeking any info on my Great-uncle, either Harold
or Charles CAVE - see photo - don't know which brother was which, both
now deceased and families lost touch. Charles emigrated to Canada,
Harold last known address Hayling Island. My grandmother (in the
middle, their sister) wrote on the back of the picture "This is my
family before I was married..." (married c. 1923) Contact
Here
Stoker First Class Tom Fraser My
Uncle (Stoker 1st Class C/KX 117336 Tom Fraser, my Dad's brother),
served on the Warspite as a Stoker from early 1941 until April 1943,
when he was transferred to HMS Resolution. I recently discovered the
collection of 88 well-written wartime letters he wrote to his family at
home in Burnley, Lancs. Many of these were written from the Warspite,
Mess 48 on Warspite notepaper. He was killed in April 1945 aboard HMS
Redmill, exactly a month before his 25th birthday and 10 days before the
end of hostilities in Europe. I aim to annotate the letters and publish
them as a book. If you have any memories of my uncle Tom, please get in
touch. Tom Fraser, Cartmel, Cumbria, frasertom2@supanet.com
C.R. (SHINER) WRIGHT.. My father served on HMS Warspite
during the second world war, not sure of the dates. He was part of
a gun crew on that ship. On June 1st (2004) he celebrated his 90th
birthday and is still going strong. He still lives in the small
village of Irchester, Northants. Should any old shipmates want to
contact him or anyone who has an interest in his knowledge of the ship,
please email me, Robert Wright, his son. Contact
Here
HERBERT (BERT) GILHAM.. My late husband, Herbert (Bert)
Gilham served on the Warspite from 19th November 1938 - 10th August
1941. He was an ordinary seaman 15th December - 31st January 1940,
the an Able Bodied Seaman from 1st February. he was on Guns, and
was at Crete. I am trying to find out what happened to the
Warspite after she left the Med. Did she go through the Suez
Canal? When my husband left the Warspite, he joined HMS
Resolution. Was that in America? and where did he join it?
If anyone known the answers to those questions please get in touch
: Contact here
CHARLIE TUCKER.. I have recently been told that my uncle
Charlie Tucker served and possibly died upon HMS Warspite, so are
looking for any information, knowledge of Uncle Charlie.
Phil. Contact
Here
DANIEL BAKER. My grandfather served on HMS Warspite
during WW2 and I would love to hear from anyone who knew him. I
was in the army when he died in 1986 and never really knew about
him. Contact
Here
PAUL MAGRO.. When I was a boy in Malta, my mother used
to say that my uncle Paul Magro was a cook or chef on the Warspite
during WW2. He was either a CPO or PO. She also said that
his son Ignatius also served with him, however I am not sure if he was
on the same ship. Contact
Here
JOHN VALENTINE SIMMONDS.. I've only just come across
this site and would like to know if anyone has any information on my
Grandad. His full name was John Valentine Simmonds but most people
called him Jack. He passed away 12 years ago. He had quite a
few funny stories of when he was on the Warspite and it would be nice to
hear from anyone who remembers him. Contact
Here
TED BAXTER.. My great grandfather served on the
Warspite in WW2. If anyone knew him I would like to hear from
you. Contact Stephen Wilson at myonesbiggerthanyours@hotmail.com
GEORGE DREVER (JOCK).. I would like to hear from anyone who
served on the Warspite from about 1938 - 1943. My grandfather was a
gunner on the ship. He was called George Drever (Jock). I
think he was injured at Solerno or Crete. He was also at the battle
of Narvik. Contact me at iain@wilkinson429.fsnet.co.uk
I was looking for a
list of the crew in 1942 of the Warspite. She was in California in
the event the US needed some assistance with Japan. She was berthed
at San Pedro California...would like to know dates and crew list.
Some of them came to our home and visited us. contact
here
GEORGE DYKE... My father
George Dyke served on the warspite during
the latter stages of the 2nd world war, approximatley 1943-1945.
It would
be nice to hear from anybody who served with him during this time as he
always
reminisces about the fond memories of his time served on the "Old
Lady". He will be
celebrating his 80th Birthday this year
and it would be lovely to be able to get in touch with any of his old
ship
mates. Look forward to hearing
from you. Alan Dyke
(son of George Dyke) contact
here
HAROLD BAILEY... My late father-in-law Harold Bailey
served on Warspite in WW2, as a PO I think, in the main gun turrets and
was invalided out of the navy just before the end of the war. The family
have one or two photographs. He was very proud of his service. We would
be pleased to hear from anyone who knew him and can help us piece
together his service. David Boyd. contact
here
GEORGE PHILLIP HUDSON... My dad served on HMS
Warspite during the second world war as a stoker (engineer), but I
am not sure when.
When I was sorting through some old things of his after he died a few
years ago I found an HMS Warspite memento,
being a metal ladies face powder container that had the HMS Warspite emblem on it.
I also remember
seeing a photo of
him and some oppo's in tropical uniform when I was a boy and
I am sure that was
on HMS Warspite.
Unfortunately the photograph has disappeared since
then.
Whilst I intend to
keep this memento I would like to know if there are ships company
records that show when my dad served on the Warspite. His name was
George Phillip Hudson originally from Kent. Being ex R.N myself
I am very proud
of my dad as he saw action in WWII but was unable
to tell me about some of the
things that happened as a boy as it was obviously too painful a memory.
Nevertheless I would
like to know when he served on HMS
Warspite and found
out more about her for my own research. Regards. Mark Hudson
CONTACT HERE
DENNIS RADBOURNE My
father Dennis Radbourne served aboard Warspite as a gunner for quite a
while during the war, including when it was bombed and severely damaged
off Sicily. I just saw a program on Discovery about the sinking of a
troop carrier in the eastern Mediterranean with a radio control glider
bomb, my father always said that was what was used to bomb Warspite.
Has anyone got any info on this? He passed away in 1996 at the age
of 76. Thanks. Rob
Radbouurne
NORMAN ALEXANDER CRAIG... I served on HMS
Warspite between Sept 1940 until I was wounded on the 24th May 1941 off
Crete where we were bombed. I
was in the crew of a twin 4 inch Ack Ack gun which was blown overboard.
I would like to hear from anyone who remembers me. email
here
JACK (JOHN) FORREST...
STEPHEN GIBBONS.... I'm looking for information about Stephen
Gibbons who served on the Warspite around the early 1920's. He learnt
morse code and became a listener. Any information would be
appreciated, veronica_kinzett@hotmail.com
GEORGE BIRKWOOD.. My dad, George Birkwood, served on Warspite
in WW2 as a Royal Marine and always had a great affection for the old
lady and her crew. He kept a picture of her on his dressing table
all this time. He died, 5th August 2003, after a brief illness and
I would love to hear from anyone who knew George either from his gunnery
abilities or his singing. Please email me at gordon.birkwood@btinternet.com
LESLIE FREEMANTLE.. My grandfather served as an ERA on Warspite
from 1943-44. He still attends annual Warspite reunions, this year taking
place on 10th May in Weymouth. He remembers his time aboard fondly and
would love to hear from anyone aboard at this time. Contact me at em_bar_em@hotmail.com
ARTHUR SWATMAN: My father served on HMS Warspite from Aug 1943 to
end of 1944. He would like to know if anyone knows the whereabouts of
Petty Officer Lonsdale. My dad used to regularly box with him on board.
and seaman Burley, both these men were from the Lincolnshire area.
please contact ianswatman@hotmail.com
ARCHIE MAYES.. I am looking for background information on the
death at sea of Leading Seaman Archie Mayes. He died on 19th Feb 1941
while on Warspite. Any details of action or accident on or before that
date willbe of great help. Contact me at john.ling@o2.co.uk
JOE FOGARTY.. My uncle Joe served on HMS Warspite in WW2. From
RN Nominal Roll, I have received the following information: DOB:
1915.09.01, DOD: 1948.04.02. Service Unit: Royal Navy, WWII Service
Number: JX180868. Enlistment Date: 1940.01.01. Discharge Date:
1944.05.30. I would very much like to hear from anyone who might have
information on him. Contact me a at denisn@nbnet.nb.ca
JOHN EDWARD HILL.. My father John served as Able Seaman on
Warspite during the Normandy D-Day bombardments. I believe he was inside
the gun turrets firing the big guns. He came from Doncaster and I would
like to hear from anyone who knew him. Contact me at cvalder@caci.co.uk
COMMANDER DESMOND JENKINS: I am trying to find any info about
Commander Desmond Jenkins who served on HMS Warspite during WW2. if you
can help contact Butch Calderwood at mrbutch@optusnet.com.au
ENOCH KENT McDIARMID.. My father was a Petty Officer on Warspite
for most of WW2, in and out of Malta and at the Salerno landings. He never
discussed it afterwards but I have always been proud of his association
with the ship. He came from Glasgow and died in 1982. I would like to know
if he was on board when Warspite was at the battle of Narvik, can anyone
help? Contact me at christinemckendrick@strah.ac.uk
FRANK CLARKE.. My grandfather served as a Chief Petty Officer on
the Warspite in the second world war. He served on 4 ships in the war
including the Ark Royal but the Warspite was the one he always talked of.
Any memories of him, or information about him would be very welcome.
Contact OwnSimpson@aol.com
JAMES DAYMOND.. My Papa served on the Warspite during WW2, he
was a Royal Marine and very proud of his years of service. He died this
week and I am very keen to hear from anyone who may have known him. He
may have been known as "Jim", "Jamie" or
"Jimmy". He was a treasured man who brought much love. He was
born in Maryport, Cumbria and later lived in Jarrow, Newcastle. contact charlottethorningcurtis@yahoo,co.uk
JOHN HANSTOCK.. My father was an AB on HMS Warspite from about
1940 to 1943 when he was invalided out with shell shock. He appeared on a
Channel 4 programme entitled "Shell Shock" a few years ago, some
of you may have seen it. He passed away in 1999 but I would be glad to
hear from anyone who knew him. My father also made a number of drawings of
his experiences on board ship, and more recently put pen to paper
describing some of the events.
HENRY LLOYD.. Searching for any information on Henry Lloyd who served
on HMS Warspite and the destroyer HMS Lizard. Contact Ginny at ginny@stevebushell.d2g.com
JOSEPH FRANCIS.. I am looking for
information about my uncle whom I never met and have only just been
informed of his existence. His name was Joseph Henry Francis and he died
in 1943 on HMS Warspite at Salerno, Italy aged about 21. If anyone can
give me information I would be grateful. Contact Mike Francis at mikebfrancis@iprimus.co.au
ARCHY MAYES.. I am researching our War
Memorial that has names but no details. Archy Mayes is one of the names.
I want to find out what HMS Warspite was doing on the 19th February 1941
when he was killed. He was serving on HMS Warspite and was buried in
Ramlah War Cemetery, Palestine. If you can help contact John Ling at john.Ling@genie.co.uk
JACK PILKINGTON.. My father served on the Admiral's Barge and on
HMS Warspite around 1942-44. If any old shipmates remember him and would
like to contact him e-mail me at larry.sheila@btopenworld.com
GEORGE WYLES.. My grandfather served on HMS Warspite as a naval
diver, he was injured at the battle of Crete. I would love to hear from
anyone who may have known him. Contact me at havealaugh@btinternet.com
MAURICE NICHOLLS I am eager to contact anyone who
served with Maurice Nicholls on HMS Warspite during WW2. I am not sure
of his rank or rating but I think he was a regular and I believe he died
in 1972 and was living in Plymouth at the time. If you can help contact
Eric Jones, Secretary of HMS Argonaut Association at Ejon5a@aol.com
REPLY : The email given in the above message seems to be
out of date or incorrect. I am the daughter of Maurice (Nick)
Nicholls an I am happy to assist with anyone's queries. Contact
here
RODERICKE HUGHES. My father who I never new was a CPO on HMS
Warspite during the second world war. I would be grateful to hear
from any surviving crew members who might remember him and have
information about him. please contact me. Laurence
Hughes lah@freeuk.com
Thank you
RONALD ARTHUR HAWES. My father was onboard HMS
Warspite,
though sadly no longer with us he always spoke with great affection for
the grand old lady. I would be very interested to hear from anybody who
knew him on
board. Gary Hawes at gasandrach@lineone.net
THOMAS SAMUEL AUSTIN.. Was a CPO on the Warspite during the
war. sadly he died in 1992 but I would dearly love to hear from anyone who
knew him. Ianthe Exall. If anybody remembers my Dad, Thomas Austin from
Wolverhampton, I would love to hear from them. I think his good friend on the ship was Harvey
Davidson?! Ianthe COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER, EAST COAST REGION SANBS, TEL.7196504 Exalll@ecr.sanbs.org.za
C O SADLER .. My father the late C O Sadler was signal Bos'n on
Warspite 1939 - 40 but fell out with his boss Admiral Cunningham. An odd
thing to do. Does anyone know Why?. Please contact me Bryan
Sadler at Bryan.Sadler@btinternet.com
LEONARD SAMUEL FRANCIS.. My Grandfather served on HMS
Warspite. If
anyone knew him I would love to hear from you. Contact Paul
Francis at seiferfan24@aol.com
LEWIS HAMMOND. My Grandfather was a Royal marine and served
on HMS Warspite from 1939 to 1941. Granddad is no longer with us but I
would love to hear from anyone who knew him or has any information which
may be of interest. (Photo's etc of Royal marines on board HMS Warspite). contact me. Louise Hammond at cnorton@bigpond.com
ERIC SUSSEX. My Grandfather was a CPO on HMS Warspite during WW2,
Unfortunately he passed away in 1993, I and my family would be eternally
grateful to hear from anyone who may have known Eric Sussex or even
better have some pictures of the crew which may include him aboard the Warspite
or any information. Contact Richard Olden at olden@onlink.net
JOHN WALKER: My father served on HMS Warspite from april 1942 to
August 1944. Any messages please email me at johntwalker@worldonline.co.uk
DRAWINGS, POEMS and NOTES. My grandfather was a loader on HMS
Warspite during World war One. he was injured during the Battle of Jutland.
Not long ago my Grandmother died and amongst her things was a notebook
which my grandfather kept. In it are drawings, poem's and notes from many
of his shipmates, which are signed by all of them. if anyone wants to know
more please email me . Richard Peat at rjpeat@tinyworld.co.uk
JOHN SEAGROAT. My Uncle served briefly on HMS Warspite. I would like
to hear from anyone who may have known him. Contact Donald Shadbolt at Sandon@rusland.freeserve.co.uk
HMS WARSPITE was built at Devonport, Plymouth and
launched 26th November 1913, Took part in the 
